Autumn in Gangwon

As we bid farewell to the summer heat, it is time to usher in the fall season. The first thing that came to my mind was autumn foliage. Temperatures during the fall month average around 10-20 degrees Celsius, which make it the most ideal season to travel. Fall foliage begins in late September in the colder regions of Gangwon-do province and creeps down to the warmer Southern regions. Dates for peak fall colours vary, but the 16 national mountain parks around the country boasts the best fall foliage views. The forecast for the first foliage and peak foliage at popular national parks are shown below. 

(credits: Kweather)

AUTUMN AT NAMI ISLAND

Our first autumn experience was in Japan; standing at the top of Kiyomizu-dera overlooking the autumn foliage was simply amazing. Last autumn, we did a self-drive trip in Jeju before continuing the rest of our journey in Seoul. Needless to say, I have to head to one of my fave places in Korea - Nami Island - for the autumn foliage. 

It was almost mid day when we arrived and check out the crowd waiting to board the ferry from Nami back to the main island! If you are paying a visit during this period, be sure to allow at least 1h of waiting time in the queue. 

The well-wishes "tunnel" whereby you can write your wishes on a leaf-shaped memo and tie it to the metal railings. As Nami is engulfed with a romantic atmosphere, we do see a lot of memos seeking and praying for love :) 

A cute little squirrel fussing over his seed cone.   

Nami island's winter scenary was already made famous by Winter Sonata, but the fall scenery also makes a strong impression thanks to the scarlet maple trees. We got to enjoy the crimson foliage of autumn, as we strolled along the walking trails over the island. 

Nami Island

Address: 1 Namiseon-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do

Tel: +82 31 580 8114

AUTUMN AT SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK

(credits: Korea Tourism Organisation)

Seoraksan is the most iconic mountain of Gangwon-do and stretches through three countries of the province. Every fall, it is one of the first mountains in Korea to be coloured with autumn foliage, with mid-October being the best time to view this splendid scenery. Visitors can view the beautiful temples hidden within the mountain, most notably Baekdamsa and Sinheungsa or reach the Gwongeumseong Fortress by taking the cable car, where the East Sea can be viewed from above. You can also soak in the carbonated and alkaline hot springs, located at the end of Jujeongol Valley on Hangyeryeong Pass. 

Seoraksan Mountain

833 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

AUTUMN AT GANGCHON RAILPARK

If you are a fan of Running Man, this railway park would not be a stranger to you since it made its appearance in ep 144. Gangchon railway bike is near to Nami island and this 6km Gangchon Rail Bike experience, starting from Gimyujeong Station lets you soak in the stunning landscapes and picturesque sights of the island. 

We cycled down on an abandoned railway, which Mugunghwa train used to travel for a span of 70 years. We passed by the enchanting Bukhangang river, which stretches for 318km! The cool breeze made it easier for us to peddle down the track and it was a great workout! 

There is a resting spot at the halfway mark and we got some snacks for refueling before continuing the rest of the journey. Once we reached the finishing point, we got to rest our tired calves as we hop onto the free shuttle bus back to the station. Thankfully we don't have to ride the railway bike back! 

Gangchon Railway Bike

Address: 1383 Gimyujeong-ro, Sindong-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea

AUTUMN FESTIVALS IN GANGWON

Gangneung Coffee Festival (강릉 커피축제)

There are a couple of festivals in Gangwon to take part, such as the Gangneung Coffee Festival, taking place from 6th Oct till 9th Oct in Gangneung, the city of coffee. The festival celebrates not only the coffee culture in the city but also, the city's past and present culture with a variety of coffee-related events. Visitors can get to enjoy barista performance and also, get to sample a wide range of coffee. Coffee lovers can also take the opportunity to visit Anmok Coffee Street, a 500m long coastal road lined with cafes. Here, visitors can relax with a cup of coffee while taking in the gorgeous sea views. 

Gangneung Anmok Beach Coffee Street

Address: 17 Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Jeongseon Arirang Festival (정선아리랑제)

(credits: Korea Tourism Organisation)

Jeongseon Arirang Festival is held annually in October in an effort to preserve and develop "Jeongseon Arirang", an intangible cultural heritage. Designated as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, Arirang is the most beloved Korean folk song. This was handed down by word of mouth through the generations and its lyrics seem to encapsulate the Korean concept of existence and the range of emotions one may experience through it. Anyone may sing it easily and the song continues to be loved today and is continually re adapted to modern times.  

Jeongseon-eup Arari Park

Address: 112, Bongyang-ri, Jeongseon-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do

Some of my friends were afraid of going to Korea due to language barrier. If you are in need of travel information, an interpreter or in an emergency situation, dial 1330 from any phone to reach the Korea Travel Hotline operated by the Korea Tourism Organisation. A friendly and trained staff will be ready to help, providing the interpretation services when needed. Now that we have this sorted out, start packing your bags and head to Korea for a wonderful autumn!